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Evening bus withdrawal

AT THE Cabinet Forum on Wednesday, August 17 the public raised their dissatisfaction about the processes and proposals of two Swindon Borough Council consultations which are taking place.

Their concerns centred around lack of information, sources, validity and effects of the creation and transfer of powers to parish councils and the withdrawal of bus subsidies.

Yes, parish councils may be able to carry out some functions more effectively, efficiently and economically than the borough. But, if this is the case, why is no evidence given?

How does the withdrawal of all evening buses to Stratton, South Marston and Highworth help shift workers, struggling stores in the town centre, drinkers or cultural activities of the town?

Both sets of measures by the Conservative cabinet come from a common source – the requirement to reduce expenditure.

They blame reducing government grants and more demands from residents. In fact they are abdicating their responsibilities.

Since they assumed power, their only answer has been to raid the financial balances previously built up and to waste council resources on unnecessary projects.

The only conclusion is the current Conservative Council is unfit for purpose and must go.

BRIAN V COCKBILL

Stratton Road

Swindon

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New council required

SWINDON town requires a new Council based upon the old borough boundary prior to 1974.

The officers at the time were so eager to join up with the old Highworth Rural District Council so as they all got a pay rise on reaching a population of 100,000.

We need to take back our mayoral position with a Swindon town mayor and have a new town council of 21 councillors. Eldene and Liden can be given back to the parish councils that controlled that area prior to 1974.

Toothill, Freshbrook, Green Park, Ramleaze, Middleleaze, Sandacre, Sparcels and Peatmoor were created when they moved the old cooper line to its existing boundary with Wiltshire Council. All this area was once known as the Lydiards, so it requires a new parish council for this area.

Democracy as we know it has been thrown out of the window as far as this cabinet are concerned.

All the cabinet represent existing parish councils outside the old Swindon town boundary prior to 1974.

DOUGLAS STEWART

Former enforcement officer to Swindon Council, and former councillor

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Even more councillors

SWINDON is to have four new parish councils but I cannot see the point of it all.

These new parish councils will cost each property up to £120 a year for those affected by the changes.

With 15 councillors required for each parish it will require an extra 60 councillors. These additional 60 councillors will all need to be paid and they will also need some clerical and maintenance staff.

If Swindon Council needed some extra money they should just have raised the council tax to cover it.

Creating an additional 60 parish councillors just to avoid raising Swindon’s overall council tax rate seems a very inefficient and wasteful way to raise the extra money that is needed by Swindon Council.

STEVE HALDEN

Beaufort Green, Swindon

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Shocking state of UK

ON THE day the obituary of the Duke of Westminster appeared in the national press informing us his 25-year-old son would inherit £9 billion, it was also reported that the NHS would have to close more A&E units. What kind of society are we living in when a 25-year old-inherits £9 billion and will see his wealth increase by the hour, yet the NHS, along with many other public services, are being run down and closed because the government tells us the country has no money?

MARTIN WEBB

Swindon Road

Swindon

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More female comment

IN REPLY to Scarlett and Mike (Adver August 18) Mr Webb’s astonishing recollection of the facts regarding the past astounds me, has he no more to do with his time?

I certainly have, but If he wants statistics, beware of what you wish for. I have no wish to bore readers, or I would reply in spades.

But on to better things – Scarlett Rose, what a lovely name. I immediately cast my mind to Gone With The Wind.

Poor me, stuck with the double innuendo of the third most common name in Britain.

I have decided to give it a month’s rest. Perhaps longer, perhaps the readers can decide. Let the ladies represent their thoughts and feelings on these pages. May I assure ladies who read these pages There is no man who has greater respect for the opposite sex than I have.

BILL WILLIAMS

Merlin Way

Covingham

Swindon

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What special journeys?

I AM 92 and recovering from a broken hip. I have just got mobile enough to get up to the Elgin bus stop.

I did it two weeks ago and low and behold they have now cut the bus right off. On the pasted-over timetable it says this bus stop is for special journeys. Could anyone tell me where these journeys are to and who is using them?

EGL RANDALL

Bramble Road

Swindon

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Sky high TV sport costs

I AGREE 100 per cent with John Stooke’s letter (August 18). I have recently had, and cancelled both Sky sports and BT sport, I will not pay these ever increasing prices.

It’s very much like the transfer fees and wages of footballers, it’s getting out of control.

DAVE OSBOURN

Royal Wootton Bassett

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Thanks to football fans

SWINDON Guide Dogs for the Blind would like to thank the fans of Swindon Town Football Club for their generosity at our collection at the home game with Port Vale on Saturday.

We raised a wonderful £357 and to cap it all the Town won too.

Thank you all once again.

ALAN FLETCHER

Swindon Guide Dogs for the Blind